Adrian Morrisby just wanted to do something to thank Tasmania’s volunteer firefighters but little did he know he would unleash a “full political s--- storm”. He launched a fundraiser to buy a carton of beer for every volunteer fire station but was stonewalled after the Tasmania Fire Service told its members they could not accept gifts. But that didn’t stop Nationals Senator Steve Martin from buying beer for the members of the Devonport Fire Brigade, where he volunteered for more than three decades. RELATED: Campaign to buy a carton for every fire station “… I bought a couple of cartons of Tassie's finest (Boags Premium) for Tassie's finest,” Senator Martin said. “The Devonport boys have been sweating blood putting out fires in western Tasmania, so they definitely deserved a cold one or two. “I am all about strengthening local communities and getting a fair share for regional Tasmania, and, yes, sometimes that means buying a mate a beer.” The TFS outlined its stance regarding gifts on Friday in an internal memo written by deputy chief officer Bruce Byatt. “TFS have been overwhelmed with the amount of support and donations we continue to receive. And for that we are extremely grateful,” he wrote. “However I would like to remind our members that as a Government organisation and part of the DPFEM we must support and comply with Government and Department polices and procedures. “This means that, however well-meaning the attempt, in the first instance TFS members should not accept gift (sic) or donations of any kind.” The memo said a number of community events to thank firefighters had been planned. But situation puts almost $8000 donated to the “froffy for a firery” campaign in limbo, along with ten cartons pledged by Morrison Brewery in Launceston. Mr Morrisby said he was “just trying to do the right thing” when he launched the fundraiser. “I’m just an average Aussie bloke that thinks that people who do a good job deserve a reward,” he said. Mr Morrisby said he was trying to find an alternative use for the donated money, such as mailing $45 gift vouchers to every fire station rather than a carton. The Hobart man said Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Michael Ferguson had also contacted him to help resolve the situation. Emergency services minister Michael Ferguson said Adrian Morrisby had done a fantastic job raising funds to treat our hardworking volunteer firies. “We’re pleased to have reached a simple solution for the donations to get through to volunteer brigades for them to purchase their choice of beverages,” Mr Ferguson said. He said the government wanted to say a big thank you to all the emergency services workers and volunteers who had been working tirelessly to protect Tasmanian lives, properties and the heritage that made Tasmania special. “We’ll also be ensuring they can enjoy the generous donations of beer that have been pledged to date at community functions, which we will host in the North, North-West and South. “The timing and details of the functions will be determined when the bushfire season is over.” Premier Will Hodgman last week urged Tasmanians who wanted to help in the wake of the bushfires to donate to the St Vincent’s bushfire appeal. The appeal has raised approximately $65,000 but the funds are slated for the long-term recovery effort rather than to thank volunteer firefighters. St Vincent’s Tasmanian chief executive Lara Alexander said people affected by the bushfires that met a criteria would be able to access the funds once government grants were distributed and “further needs are ascertained”. “The Task Force, organised by the Department of Premier and Cabined, of which St Vincent de Paul Society is also part of, will commence the process of working through the medium to long term recovery needs,” Mrs Alexander said. The St Vincent’s bushfire appeal has been bolstered by donations from the community, businesses, sporting groups and an expected $40,000 raised from the Tassal Big Bash Game and Fatboy Slim concert. “We are encouraging individuals and businesses to get behind us and support the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal,” Mrs Alexander said. To donate to the appeal call (03) 6333 0822 or visit www.vinnies.org.au.

“We’re pleased to have reached a simple solution for the donations to get through to volunteer brigades for them to purchase their choice of beverages,” Mr Ferguson said.

He said the government wanted to say a big thank you to all the emergency services workers and volunteers who had been working tirelessly to protect Tasmanian lives, properties and the heritage that made Tasmania special.

“We’ll also be ensuring they can enjoy the generous donations of beer that have been pledged to date at community functions, which we will host in the North, North-West and South.

“The timing and details of the functions will be determined when the bushfire season is over.”

Premier Will Hodgman last week urged Tasmanians who wanted to help in the wake of the bushfires to donate to the St Vincent’s bushfire appeal.

The appeal has raised approximately $65,000 but the funds are slated for the long-term recovery effort rather than to thank volunteer firefighters.

St Vincent’s Tasmanian chief executive Lara Alexander said people affected by the bushfires that met a criteria would be able to access the funds once government grants were distributed and “further needs are ascertained”.

“The Task Force, organised by the Department of Premier and Cabined, of which St Vincent de Paul Society is also part of, will commence the process of working through the medium to long term recovery needs,” Mrs Alexander said.

The St Vincent’s bushfire appeal has been bolstered by donations from the community, businesses, sporting groups and an expected $40,000 raised from the Tassal Big Bash Game and Fatboy Slim concert.

“We are encouraging individuals and businesses to get behind us and support the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal,” Mrs Alexander said.

To donate to the appeal call (03) 6333 0822 or visit www.vinnies.org.au.